New research points to rising demand for cross-border planning as mobile, self-made fortunes expand
The world’s richest individuals are increasingly building their fortunes across borders, a trend that could create greater demand for advisors with international planning expertise.
A new report from Altrata and Arton Capital, found that one in five ultra-high-net-worth individuals (defined as those with more than $30 million in net worth) were born outside the country where they now live and conduct their primary business.
The study, Global Citizens: Entrepreneurship, Mobility and the Ultra Wealthy, also forecasts substantial growth in this segment with the worldwide UHNWI population projected to rise 33% by 2030 to 734,100 individuals.
Their collective wealth is expected to climb from $63 trillion in 2025 to $84 trillion by the end of the decade. By 2030, approximately 7.7 million people globally are expected to hold more than $5 million in assets.
The report found that internationally mobile wealthy individuals are overwhelmingly self-made. Among foreign-born UHNWIs, 79% built their wealth themselves, while 16% accumulated wealth through a mix of entrepreneurship and inheritance. Just 5% inherited all of their wealth.
The findings suggest that global mobility has become a core feature of wealth creation rather than a secondary benefit of success.
“Global mobility is no longer a byproduct of wealth creation – it is a strategic asset that underpins it. Today’s most successful individuals are not just building businesses – they are building access: to markets, talent, education, and long-term security across multiple jurisdictions.”
“What we are seeing is a decoupling of wealth from geography. The most successful individuals are structuring their lives and assets across multiple jurisdictions, reducing reliance on any single country,” said Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital. “The next generation of UHNW individuals is thinking beyond single-country solutions, prioritizing flexibility, resilience, and optionality in how and where they live, invest, and grow their wealth. In an increasingly complex world, the ability to move seamlessly across borders is becoming one of the most powerful tools for preserving and creating wealth.”
The report found that 17% of foreign-born UHNWIs own or partly own businesses headquartered outside their country of residence, while 34% pursued higher education outside their birth country.
Where the wealth is
Major wealth centers continue to attract globally mobile clients with the United States accounting for about 40% of the global UHNWI population, or roughly 205,000 individuals.
London remains a leading destination for ultra-wealthy individuals, particularly those in banking and finance, while Dubai is also gaining prominence as a destination for younger affluent individuals, with 19% of foreign-born UHNWIs in the city under the age of 50.
“What stands out in this research is the continued rise of entrepreneurial wealth creation at a global level,” says Moira Boyle, senior director and global head of luxury at Altrata. “Nearly 80% of foreign-born ultra wealthy individuals are self-made, reinforcing that today’s wealth is increasingly driven by innovation, ambition, and business building. “At the same time, the UHNW population is expanding rapidly, with total wealth and influence set to grow significantly through the end of the decade.”
